Drew Wood
Tell us something about you!
I was born and raised in Peterborough. I am currently a full-time student at Trent University. I work a part-time job at a grocery store in Lakefield. In my free time I’m not at jiu-jitsu I like to spend time with my friends as much as possible.
When did you start training? How long have you been with Eris?
I will have been training for ten years come november, and I am happy to say that my entire jiu jitsu span has been spent here at Eris
What advice would you give to someone just getting starting in Jiu-Jitsu?
The biggest advice to people just starting is to not let setbacks and discouragement stop you from pursuing jiu-jitsu. It is easier said than done but we have all been there. There are some days where you feel like you don’t know anything and you’re overwhelmed and it feels pointless and that maybe your best option is just quitting, trust me you aren’t the first and you definitely won’t be the last to face this issue. But don’t stop coming out, use it as an opportunity to take a step back and look at your growth in jiu-jitsu and think of how you can improve. This sport is like no other, it’s one where you can’t walk in and be the best person in the room automatically. You have to enjoy the struggle and the grind, and you have to be able to stand back up when you feel knocked down. Enjoy your journey even in the hard times and if you can endure those and keep coming out and moving forward then I promise the sense of discouragement turns into some of the greatest happiness and satisfaction in your abilities. So if you’re starting and you want to be there keep coming out and improvements will happen.
So why Jiu Jitsu?
My jiu jitsu journey actually started with playing football. One of my teammates was doing jiu jitsu and he didn’t have a training partner, so him and his dad told me and my father about it and next thing you know I was starting my first night. My love for the sport just sort of stuck. As a kid I was a huge fan of pro wrestling so in my eyes this was the closest thing I could do at the time. Fast forward to present day and my love for this sport is still as strong as it has ever been. However, the reasoning for my passion towards this sport has changed. Now I love the learning possibilities it provides, because no matter how long you train you always get to chase improvement, and to me the idea of being able to learn new things endlessly is amazing. I can’t forget the amazing perks that come with jiu jitsu with things like; being able to stay in shape, meet amazing people and provide an overall happier mental state. Jiu Jitsu has provided me with endless amounts of good times and opertunites to grow, and that is why I will continue to do this sport for as long as I am able to.
What do you think the strongest part of your Jiu-Jitsu game is? What is your favorite or go to moves?
If I were to pick my favourite and strongest part of my game, I think I would have to say my back takes and submissions off the back. Not only do I end up there often but there’s something that is just too much fun about making people carry you on their backs.
What is your favorite memory?
Probably just competing in jiu-jitsu as a whole. There is something so electrifying about competing. Sure it’s nerve-racking but it makes you feel alive. Winning is amazing and there’s a great feeling having your hand raised but even in losses, going out and competing hard still provides a sense of growth and satisfaction. Plus in these days you feel your teammates and friends behind you and you’re all there for each other.
